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Foster care

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Every week, Anglicare receives more than 100 requests to provide a safe home for a child in crisis.

Children come into foster care for all sorts of reasons… but uprooting them from their lives and homes always comes as a last resort. Something that’s necessary to keep them safe from the harm of neglect or abuse.

As one of our amazing foster carers, you can make a real difference. Whether you’re single, married or in a long-term relationship of two years or more, if you’re over 21 (and in good health) you’re exactly who kids in need are looking for!

Types of foster care

Crisis care
You provide a safe and stable place for a child who has been removed from their home due to care concerns. As a wonderful crisis carer, you could initially be contacted at any time of the day or night. And the child might remain in your care for anywhere up to three months.
Short-term care
You open your home to a child who is waiting for a Children’s Court decision. If the child is in the process of being restored to their family, you may have a role in supporting both the child and their birth parents as they work towards this goal. The child could remain in your care for a year or more.
Permanent care
You commit to providing a long-term, stable and nurturing family for a child who has been placed in care until the age of 18. The child grows up as part of your family. You might even like to consider the possibility of fostering to legally adopt.
Weekend and respite care
You provide regular, ongoing support (usually one weekend a month) to a child currently placed with another wonderful foster carer. You may occasionally care for the child over longer periods in the event of an emergency or so their permanent carer can take a short holiday.

Our promise to you

As an Anglicare foster carer, you can be confident you’ll have the help you deserve at every step. In addition to support from your foster child’s case manager, you’ll also have:

  • 24/7 assistance in an emergency 
  • the expertise of a clinical care team
  • ongoing health support from therapeutic specialists, as required 
  • carer skill building and ongoing training 
  • regular opportunities to socialise with other foster carers at events and support groups (including a dedicated support group for male carers) 
  • activities and annual camps for your biological children
  • tax-free carers allowance to help meet the expense of having another child in the family
  • monthly respite through regular weekend care.

As a foster carer, you’re never alone. You’re a part of a team – case manager, medical professionals and other support workers – all joining together to help a child have a full and happy childhood.

 

Becoming an authorised carer

There is a process for becoming an authorised foster carer with Anglicare. Generally, it will take around six months. After that, it could be another X months before a child is placed in your care.

Step 1

Firstly, you’ll have an initial phone conversation with the assessment team.

Step 2

Your preliminary interview comes next. Case managers will conduct this at your home.

Step 3

You’ll attend a three-day training course on the ins and outs of foster care.

Step 4

It's time for your paperwork! Submit your application.

Step 5

Before you can become an authorised Anglicare foster carer, you’ll need to complete a series of interviews with our friendly case managers.

Interested in becoming a foster carer?

Take this short quiz.

Start quiz

The difference you can make

It probably goes without saying that a great foster carer should love being around kids. However, what you may not realise is that no special experience is needed to be exactly who a child might need. The best foster carers are not childcare experts or parents themselves. They’re normal people like you who have a heart for kids in need and a willingness to learn.

Watch more Foster care stories
“You don’t have to be an expert to be a good foster carer. And you don’t have to do it all on your own.”
Sharon, Anglicare foster carer
“There will be struggles, but I can promise you this: the joy and love you’ll get from nurturing a child will far outweigh them!”
Merryn, Anglicare foster Carer

Frequently asked questions

Resources

Download our foster care and adoption information booklet

Enquire now

Call us on (02) 9890 6800 or fill in the form below.
More questions?

Talk to our friendly team about foster care.

Call 02 9890 6800
Anglicare acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original and ongoing custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work.

Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity..